This archive report was first published on 24 May 2020.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has unveiled an eight-point Sh53.7 billion economic stimulus programme to cushion Kenyans against the effects of Covid-19.
The programme, announced on May 24, 2020, will cover eight sectors of the economy, including infrastructure, education, and health.
Under the programme, Sh5 billion has been set aside to hire local labour to assist in the rehabilitation of infrastructure across the country, including foot bridges and damaged access roads.
For the manufacturing sector, Sh600 million has been allocated to buy locally manufactured vehicles to protect jobs in the industry.
The agriculture sector will receive Sh3 billion to acquire and supply farm inputs to 200,000 small-scale farmers, with the aim of cushioning farmers from the effects of weather and securing food supply chains during the Covid-19 period and into the future.
Additionally, Sh1.5 billion will be released to assist flower and horticultural producers to access international markets during this period where there is a shortage of flights.
The tourism sector will recruit 5,500 community scouts under Kenya Wildlife Service at a cost of Sh1 billion, and a similar amount will go to 160 community conservancies.
The president also announced that an additional Sh6.5 billion will be allocated to the Ministry of Education to hire 10,000 teachers and 1,000 ICT interns to support digital learning programmes.
Furthermore, Sh10 billion has been allocated to fast-track payment of outstanding VAT refunds and other pending bills for small and medium enterprises.
Under the programme, the health sector will employ 5,000 more health workers with diploma and certificates on one-year contracts to enhance the implementation of the Universal Health Coverage programme.
The programme will also seek to revamp the environment by minimising the effects of deforestation and climate change.
President Kenyatta announced that the programme is running alongside the Kazi Mtaani initiative, where the government plans to spend up to Sh10 billion in restoration of public hygiene standards.
